Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano is facing an indefinite absence after suffering a torn biceps during practice on Tuesday, head coach Sean McDermott confirmed, as reported by Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
Milano sustained the injury while performing a bag drill, according to McDermott, who stated that it is too early to determine whether Milano could return later this year.
The 2022 All-Pro linebacker, who only participated in five games during the 2023 season, is expected to undergo surgery. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that there is a possibility Milano could return in December.
“It’s an unfortunate situation,” McDermott said. “He’s resilient. We’ve got to be resilient.”
Milano’s injury is a significant setback for the Bills’ defense. Drafted in the fifth round in 2017, Milano has been a crucial part of Buffalo’s defensive unit. In the previous season, Milano fractured his leg in Week 5 and was sidelined for the rest of the year.
In 2022, Milano played in 15 games, earning a Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors. He concluded the season with 99 tackles, including 12 for loss, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions—one returned for a touchdown—and 1.5 sacks.
Over his career, Milano has accumulated 488 tackles in 90 games with Buffalo.
With Milano out, the Bills are expected to rely on Dorian Williams, a 2023 third-round pick, to fill the inside linebacker position alongside Terrel Bernard, who had a breakout season last year with 143 tackles and 6.5 sacks. The team also has linebackers Baylon Spector, Deion Jones, Nicholas Morrow, and Edefuan Ulofoshio on the roster.
